BEIRUT, Jan 14 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday described the archive of Lebanon Television as a "true national treasure" documenting decades of Lebanon's history, events, culture, and creative achievements.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the nomination of Lebanon's TV archive for the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, Aoun said the nomination "restores Lebanon to its natural place on the global stage in the media and documentation fields." He added that "Lebanon's TV is an integral part of our national identity," urging its staff to present Lebanese, Arab, and international audiences with "the real image of Lebanon: strong institutions, free, professional and responsible media." Meanwhile, Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Merheb highlighted the ministry's commitment to protecting the archive, digitizing it, and making optimal use of its contents. He stressed that Lebanon TV's significance is evident as a "unifying national platform" that has returned to the media scene through positive competition based on professionalism, objectivity, and journalistic ethics, rather than sensationalism or misleading news.
The Lebanon TV's archive encompasses Lebanon's political and cultural life since 1958. It has been digitized with the support of UNESCO's Beirut office and the Alef Foundation and is set to be made accessible to the public according to international archival lending standards. (end) ayb.aa